Lemonade Marinade – ‘It’s Good To See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright)’ – Review

Well hello there. Once again, we were lucky enough to be given a sneak peek of an upcoming track and, this time around, we jumped at the chance to share our thoughts about this track. Not only is it a wonderful track, it’s also in aid of Pieta House. ‘It’s Good To See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright)’ is the upcoming single from Lemonade Marinade who are a decidedly unique addition to the Irish music scene. They are an Irish music collective that can be described simply as a “lockdown band,” though it is nice to see something positive and artistic coming out of such an incredibly bleak time. Belfast singer Janet Henry lends her wonderful vocals to the track accompanied by a host of seasoned musicians all of whom have worked with big names in Irish music including Nick Scott (Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black) on bass, Colin Henry (Nancy Griffiths, Charlie McGettigan) on dobro, Fintan Hanley (Vickers Vimy) on mandolin, Brian McAteer (Phil Coulter, Alisdair Frazer) on strings, the folk duo Cathryn Craig (Righteous Brothers, Chet Atkins) and Brian Willoughby (Strawbs, Mary Hopkin) on nylon guitar and project producer/ arranger David Dee Moore (Juliet Turner, Brian Kennedy) on guitars. Simply put they’re a charity band with charity songs.

This track, much like their previous charity single, relates lyrically to the chosen charity and includes messages of hope and encouragement that there is still light in the world even in the darkest moments. Unfortunately, the threat of suicide has risen recently due to the ongoing crisis and Lemonade Marinade are hoping that they can help in some small way to raise funds and ensure Pieta House can continue their vital work. This May Pieta House had to cancel their annual “Darkness Into Light” event losing much needed funds which allows them to give councelling to people at risk by offering an environment set up to reduce the risk of suicide. The track was recorded all around Ireland and focuses on raising mental health awareness and the beauty of living. 

If you are looking to keep up to date with Lemonade Marinade’s work you can follow them on Twitter or find them on Facebook. All the proceeds from their song are going to Pieta House and ‘It’s Good To See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright)’ will be available on Spotify, Bandcamp and iTunes on Friday, September 25th.

‘It’s Good To See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright)’

Rather than separate our opinions regarding this single, we (Niamh and Emma) decided to combine our thoughts on the song. This is a genre and type of music that is very different to anything we’ve reviewed before. We do, however, support this track fully because it is offering support to a charity that, right now, is in dire need of help so that they can continue to offer such vital services to immensely vulnerable people. This track is so very comforting and soothing overall and is probably as close as the world will ever come to the audio equivalent of a hug and the lead vocals by Janet Henry do compound that sense of calm. It has an old-fashioned coziness to it. The song starts with a mesmerizingly repetitive instrumental that pulls you with a sense of familiarity. Once the lyrics kick in, you are met with an incredibly hard topic for some people with the underlying lighthearted and warm instrumental behind it. Overall, the song gives me vibes from the past; one of those songs a relative would put on to calm you down after an emotionally hard day and try to bring you back to the present. This track is evidence that multiple talented people can collaborate together and create music in which no one person outshines the others and it also is a creative use of musical talent during a time when music is most needed and under supported. What is of paramount importance in this track, however, is the message that it conveys. The lyrics suggest that though we are in rough times and, they may not seem like they are ending anytime soon, that there is still light in the world and a reason to live. Even if you don’t see that reason yourself, others do and you have a greater impact on your surroundings than you would believe.